Level Density Research Articles

Bazi Bushen attenuates osteoporosis in SAMP6 mice by regulating PI3K-AKT and apoptosis pathways.

Osteoporosis (OP), a systemic skeletal disease, is characterized by low bone mass, bone tissue degradation and bone microarchitecture disturbance. Bazi Bushen, a Chinese patented medicine, has been demonstrated to be effective in attenuating OP, but the pharmacological mechanism remains predominantly unclear. In this study, the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) model was used to explore bone homeostasis and treated intragastrically for 9 weeks with Bazi Bushen. Invivo experiments showed that Bazi Bushen treatment not only upregulated the levels of bone mineral density and bone mineral content but also increased the content of RUNX2 and OSX. Furthermore, the primary culture of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in SAMP6 mice was used to verify the effects of Bazi Bushen on the balance of differentiation between osteoblasts and adipocytes, as well as ROS and aging levels. Finally, the pharmacological mechanism of Bazi Bushen in attenuating OP was investigated through network pharmacology and experimental verification, and we found that Bazi Bushen could significantly orchestrate bone homeostasis and attenuate the progression of OP by stimulating PI3K-Akt and inhibiting apoptosis. In summary, our work sheds light on the first evidence that Bazi Bushen attenuates OP by regulating PI3K-AKT and apoptosis pathways to orchestrate bone homeostasis.

Analyzing the spatial scale effects of urban elements on urban flooding based on multiscale geographically weighted regression

In the context of rapid urbanization and the frequent occurrence of extreme rainfall in cities, the risk of flooding in the future will further increase, and the problem of urban flooding cannot be ignored. Urban elements exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity, which largely determines the spatial distribution differences in urban flooding. Therefore, it is important to clarify the scale of influence of different urban elements and explore their scale effects on urban flooding to accurately assess the risk of urban flooding. Taking Zhengzhou City, China, as the study area, this study analyzed the urban elements associated with urban flooding, quantified the scale of the influence of urban elements on flooding using multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR), and further explored the spatial scale effects of urban elements on urban flooding. The results showed that MGWR can better fit the spatially non-uniform distribution of urban flooding and that the scale of the influence of urban elements on urban flooding can be reflected by the bandwidth of MGWR. The results of MGWR indicated that the bandwidths of elevation, number of drainage outfalls (NDO1Abbreviations: RRP, Rainfall return period; DDR, Distance to river; NDO, Number of drainage outfalls; ILMFCP, Input level of materials for flood control projects; PRL, Proportion of residential land; PCL, Proportion of commercial land; PIL, Proportion of industrial land; PPSL, Proportion of public service land; PRA, Proportion of road area; PGL, Proportion of green land; PD, Population density; MI, Manpower input; GDP, Gross domestic product; ILER, Investment level in education and research.1), distance to river (DR), Gross domestic product (GDP), proportion of residential land (PRL), and proportion of commercial land (PCL) were small, and their influence scales were localized. In contrast, the influence of rainfall return period (RRP), slope, proportion of industrial land (PIL), proportion of public service land (PPSL), proportion of road area (PRA), proportion of green land (PGL), input level of materials for flood control projects (ILMFCP), population density (PD), manpower input (MI), and investment level in education and research (ILER) were at global scales. The most influential factors for urban flooding were RRP, PD, and MI. Slope, DR, and PRA had less influence on urban flooding. This study helps improve the effectiveness of urban flood prevention and mitigation efforts.

Effects of recirculation dredging on density, strength, settling and oxygen concentration of fluid mud in the port of Emden

Abstract Purpose Recirculation dredging is a port maintenance concept developed in the Port of Emden, Germany to create a navigable fluid mud layer. This study investigates the effects of recirculation on key sediment properties, including density, yield stress, and oxygen concentration. Methods Six field monitoring surveys were carried out at two locations at different times of the year to assess changes before and after recirculation. Bathymetry, bulk density, yield stress, and oxygen concentration profiles were measured in situ. The settling properties and oxygen concentration levels on collected fluid mud samples were analyzed in the laboratory. Results The investigation reveals minimal changes in the density of recirculated fluid mud. However, the post-recirculation measurements showed a decrease in yield stress, ranging from 18 to 51% at Große Seeschleuse (GS) and 36% to 52% at Industriehafen (IH). The yield stress and density vary depending on the frequency of dredging. After structural density (1166 kg m−3 in GS and 1173 kg m−3 in IH), the yield stress of fluid mud increased exponentially. Therefore, monitoring of the yield stress is important for recirculation. A slight increase in oxygen concentration was observed post-recirculation, especially during winter. Yet, the rapid decline in oxygen levels post-mixing in the laboratory showed that sustaining long-term elevated oxygenation levels is not feasible by recirculation dredging alone. Conclusions The findings highlight the effectiveness of the recirculation on the yield stress, density, and oxygen concentration of fluid mud and illustrate the importance of considering both density and yield stress in sediment management practices. Future research should address the temporal evolution of density, yield stress, and oxygen levels following a dredging intervention and the influence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and organic matter decay on sediment behavior.

Assessment of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure from Wi-Fi Routers in LAUTECH Campus, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Wi-Fi routers play a crucial role in enabling internet connectivity within the academic environment. However, there are concerns that radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure from Wi-Fi routers may be hazardous to human health. The main objective of the research is to assess the safety of RF-EMF exposure in educational environments. A total of 14 Wi-Fi routers were randomly selected and investigated across LAUTECH campus using stratified random sampling method. Measurement of the power density and the electric field strength from these routers were taken using a hand-held electrosmog, TES-593, radiofrequency meter. Measurement points were selected at various distances of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 m from the Wi-Fi routers, representing typical distances between users and routers. At each measurement point, the TES-593 meter was held 1 m above the ground at a fixed position for 30 seconds to record the E-field strength and the power density. The measured power density and the electric field strength, varied from routers to routers depending on their location and the distance of measurement from the routers. The power density recorded for all the Wi-Fi routers investigated ranged from 0.001 to 3.302 W/m2 with a mean of 0.390 W/m2. For all the Wi-Fi routers investigated. The overall exposure levels for the power density decreases with distances for all the routers. The measured electric field strength also decreases with distance ranging from 0.106 to 3.528 V/m with a mean of 0.981 V/m. The measured power densities and the electric field strengths in this research work were comparable and similar with reports from other research work from different environments including educational, residential, and urban settings. The power densities and the electric field strengths recorded were below the 10 W/m2 and 5 V/m recommended by various regulatory agencies respectively. All the Wi-Fi routers considered in this research work were within safety guidelines set by regulatory agencies for the power density and the electric field strength, thus emitting radiations at a level that are considered safe for human exposure within the academic communities. The operation of RF-EMF exposure from Wi-Fi routers in the academic environment of LAUTECH will no pose any potential health risks on staff and students of the institution. The evidence-based insights into potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi routers in this research can guide policymakers in establishing safety regulations that will limit exposure levels. It can also inform guidelines on the optimal placement of routers, frequency of usage, and the implementation of periodic monitoring to ensure compliance with international safety standards.

Measurement of fast neutron induced (n,γ) reaction cross-section of 68Zn, 96Zr, 121Sb and 123Sb in the energy range of 1 to 2 MeV

The (n,γ) reaction cross-section for the elements 68Zn, 96Zr, 121Sb and 123Sb, present in the reactor structural/shielding materials, was measured by neutron activation technique in the neutron energy region of 1–2 MeV as very limited data is available in this energy range. Further, the neutron spectrum peaks in this energy region for the fast breeder reactors and proposed accelerator driven sub-critical systems. The natural strontium (natSr) element was used as a neutron flux monitor by considering effective combined reaction cross-section for 86Sr(n,γ)87Srm and 87Sr(n,n′)87Srm reactions. The pellets of mixture of sample and monitor were irradiated by a quasi-mono energetic fast neutron beam, generated by 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction at FOTIA, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India. The activity of activation products was measured by off-line gamma-ray spectrometry using High Purity Germanium Detector (HPGe). The present data with improved uncertainty and covariance analysis enhance the cross-section data base for better constraining the evaluated data and theoretical models. The theoretical (n,γ) reaction cross-sections were calculated using TALYS 1.96, which could reasonably explain the present data with the Fermi gas level density prescription.

Predicting angiogenesis in adrenal pheochromocytoma: the role of modified parameters from contrast-enhanced CT

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the value of modified parameters derived from dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in predicting angiogenesis within pheochromocytoma.MethodA total of 31 patients with pathologically confirmed pheochromocytoma underwent preoperative dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT scanning, wherein modified CT enhancement parameters, namely maximum enhancement difference (∆H) and maximum enhancement velocity (V), were quantified. Subsequently, postoperative specimens were evaluated by pathological section, while microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were counted. We conducted comparative analyses to assess disparities in maximum enhancement difference and enhancement velocity between groups characterized by high and low VEGF expression. Furthermore, correlations between maximum enhancement difference, enhancement velocity, and MVD were examined, along with an assessment of the association between maximum enhancement difference, VEGF expression, and MVD at the point of maximal enhancement difference occurrence.ResultsIn the study group, unilateral pheochromocytoma was observed in 31 cases, with 19 cases of arterial phase enhancement and 12 cases displaying venous phase enhancement. The range of maximum enhancement difference (ΔH) spanned from 24 to 102 HU, while the range of maximum enhancement velocity (V) extended from 0.40 HU/s to 4.08 HU/s. Analysis revealed a significant elevation in MVD value within the arterial phase enhancement group compared to the venous phase enhancement group. Additionally, a positive correlation was discerned between the maximum enhancement difference, V, and MVD. Notably, both ∆H and V exhibited statistically significant elevations in the high VEGF expression group relative to the low VEGF expression group. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between both ΔH and V and VEGF expression levels.ConclusionIncreased values of ∆H and V are indicative of heightened MVD and VEGF expression. Consequently, the modified parameters derived from dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT scanning serve as predictive markers for angiogenesis in adrenal pheochromocytoma.

Insect conservation in agricultural landscapes needs both high crop heterogeneity and semi-natural habitats

Identifying landscapes that are suitable for both biodiversity conservation and agricultural production is a major challenge. Traditionally, much research has focused on biodiversity conservation outside of agricultural production areas, e.g., in semi-natural habitats. In contrast, recent research has mainly focused on the potential of crop heterogeneity. This includes both compositional (crop diversity) and configurational heterogeneity (field border density). However, if and how crop heterogeneity, and semi-natural habitats interact to shape insect diversity in agricultural landscapes remains poorly understood. Here we investigated the combined effects of crop diversity, field border density, and semi-natural habitats (i.e., grassland proportion, hedge density) on insect diversity. We sampled insect communities from 14 – 17 June 2021 with pan traps in 27 study landscapes (500 m x 500 m) covering independent gradients of these landscape variables and identified a total of 587 insect species with DNA metabarcoding. We found that field border density mediated the effects of crop diversity, grassland proportion, and hedge density on insect richness. At low levels of field border density (i.e., landscapes with mostly large fields), effects were either neutral (crop diversity), negative (grassland proportion) or weakly positive (hedge density). By contrast, at high levels of field border density, crop diversity, grassland proportion, and hedge density all exerted positive effects on insect richness. Responses to crop heterogeneity and semi-natural habitat differed among trophic groups of insects (decomposers, herbivores, parasitoids, predators). While variation in richness of herbivorous insects followed the patterns of the overall richness, decomposer richness was not related to any of the investigated variables. Predator richness increased with hedge density in landscapes, whereas parasitoid richness increased when high levels of field border density and grassland proportion coincided. Our study shows that increasing crop heterogeneity is a viable strategy for promoting insect diversity in agricultural landscapes. However, the effects of the amount of remaining semi-natural habitats, such as grassland or hedges, are mediated by configurational heterogeneity, and vary between trophic groups. Efforts to conserve insects in agricultural landscapes must therefore focus on both increasing the heterogeneity of the crop matrix by promoting crop diversity and increasing the density of field borders, while also maintaining or restoring semi-natural habitats as important source habitats for insect species.

Investigation of the production routes of 81,82m,83,84 Rb isotopes through proton-induced nuclear reactions on 82,83,84,86 Kr

Investigations using nuclear reaction models are significant and have considerable consequences in terms of understanding nuclear reaction processes and their nature. The nuclear data on radionuclides created by the cyclotron find application in nuclear diagnostics and therapeutic treatments. The excitation function of proton-induced nuclear reactions on 82,83,84,86 Kr for the generation of medically beneficial short-lived radioisotopes 81,82m,83,84 Rb from threshold energy to 50 MeV has been investigated using Koning–Delaroche optical model potential with nuclear level density (NLD) from both the phenomenological and microscopic nuclear models incorporated in TALYS1.96 code. The phenomenological constant temperature + Fermi gas model, back-shifted Fermi gas model, generalised superfluid model, and microscopic NLD from the Skyrme–Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov, Gogny–Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov, and temperature-dependent Gogny–Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov NLD tables have been used to calculate the excitation function. The calculated excitation functions are compared with the experimental data from EXFOR and the TALYS evaluated nuclear data library (TENDL2023). An analysis is carried out by estimating the mean deviation D-value between the theoretical and experimental cross-sections, and the NLD model corresponding to the best result is used for the estimation of activity and production yield for each reaction channel.

Enhanced capability of model fitting to nuclear level density and heat capacity: testing on 93−98Mo nuclei

We propose an improved fitting approach that improves reliability in studying the nuclear level density (NLD) and thermodynamic quantities. The proposed method, which relies on the fact that experimental fluctuations or outliers, if they exist, should not be involved in the fitting process, is validated with a set of data artificially generated with anomalous data points being intentionally inserted. In order to showcase the advantages of the proposed technique, we have applied it to re-investigate the back-shifted Fermi gas (BSFG) level density parameters and thermodynamic quantities, particularly the heat capacities, of 93−98Mo isotopes. We have found that the range of values for the level density parameter of 93Mo (approximately from 8.5 to 9.0 MeV−1) is notably smaller than that obtained for the other isotopes of Mo (approximately from 10.5 to 11.5 MeV−1). This observation is different from previous predictions, in which the values of level density parameter of all Mo isotopes are in the same range. This is because among the Mo isotopes under examination, 93Mo (N = 51 neutrons) has the smallest number of valence neutrons, namely only a single neutron away from the closed N = 50 shell. In addition, thanks to the proposed method, we have discussed the effects of data fluctuations on the BSFG NLDs and thermodynamic quantities of 93−98Mo isotopes, from which our recommendation for future works is announced. On top of that, we should notice that the proposed approach can be further applied to any work involving the fitting of a phenomenological model to empirical data.

Across the city boundaries: Exploring the impact of neighborhood environment on intercity commuters’ life satisfaction

The relationship between the neighborhood environment and life satisfaction has long been studied. However, few studies have examined the association between intercity commuters who reside and work in different urban areas. This paper identifies how physical and social environmental elements affect life satisfaction through residential, travel, and leisure satisfaction using data collected among intercity commuters within the Great Bay Area in China. The results suggest that high density and mixture level in the neighborhood are positively related to their daily experience with residence and travel, but the higher density in workplace negatively influents residential satisfaction. Social environment is of great significance to intercity commuters. Life domain satisfaction (including travel, leisure, and residential satisfaction) mediates the relationship between the neighborhood environment and life satisfaction. Travel and leisure satisfaction affect residential satisfaction, which in turn affect life satisfaction. Although travelling across city boundaries is part of intercity commuters’ daily practice, neighborhood environment still plays an important role in shaping their life domain, and further contribute to overall satisfaction.

Simulation of quantum states in solid-state ferromagnetic nanostructures

Purpose of the article. Identification and analysis of mathematical expressions for the energy spectrum of charge carriers in nano-sized magnetic films of nickel and Ni-Cu (substrate), as well as NiO-Ni-Cu (substrate) structures.Methods. In this work, based on basic quantum mechanical concepts and taking into account the boundary conditions for coupled quantum wells, expressions for the energy spectrum of electrons are obtained. The ferrimagnetic properties of nickel are taken into account through the effective mass value. The solution of nonlinear equations that determine discrete energy levels was achieved by numerical methods using the Mathcad mathematical package.Results. Transcendental expressions for the energies of free charge carriers in quantum wells of ferromagnetic nickel films are obtained, and the influence of the position of nickel on the copper substrate is shown. It has been shown that the use of a copper substrate leads to an increase in the density of energy levels in the nickel nanofilm. The influence of the oxide layer on single-electron states in nanofilms of nickel and its oxide is considered within the framework of the Anderson model. Based on the numerical solution of the transcendental equations obtained in the work, the influence of the ratio of the thicknesses of a ferromagnetic metal and its oxide on the energy levels of electrons localized in the oxide layer is shown.Conclusions. The formulas presented in the work for the energy spectrum take into account the energy relief of a complex quantum well, the dimensions of the film, surface oxide, and the significant effective mass in the region of the ferromagnetic film. It has been shown that an increase in the effective mass in magnetic heterostructures leads to an increase in the electron density of states. It was found that the density of electronic states in the region of surface nickel oxide is practically independent of the thickness of the nickel film. The results and conclusions of the work can be used for theoretical prediction of the physical properties of magnetic nanostructures, in particular spintronic elements.

Propositional Idea Density in the Writing of Native Speakers and Asian Learners of English: A Corpus-Based Contrastive Interlanguage Analysis

The present study is a contrastive interlanguage analysis of propositional idea density in the written language of native English speakers and Asian learners of English. The study adopted a quantitative method to analyse the ICNALE written essays v2.4 using CPIDR v5.1 software. The study aimed to identify the level of propositional idea density in the writing of English native speakers and Asian learners of English and to examine the effect of the type of English, the theme type, the proficiency level and nationality on propositional idea density. The study is one of the very few studies about propositional idea density in ESL and EFL contexts. Many statistical analyses were performed on CPIDR results using jamovi v2.3 software, and the results of the tests revealed that the propositional idea density in native speakers’ essays was higher than that in Asian learners’ essays. Moreover, the results showed that there was a statistically significant difference among all the participants based on the theme types of part-time jobs and smoking, among native speakers based on occupation type (students, teachers, others) and among Asian learners of English based on the type of English proficiency level and nationality. The findings of the study showed that propositional idea density is a psycholinguistic index of the amount of presupposed knowledge language users have on a specific topic. In other words, propositional idea density is a window to language users’ schemata. Additionally, the findings of the study can be considered an insightful contribution to contrastive interlanguage analysis.

Optimizing planting density enhances the multi-scale structural characteristics and in vitro digestibility of maize starch via modulating the size distribution of granules

The modification of starch through agricultural practices is becoming increasingly significant for producing healthy foodstuffs and raw materials for industrial applications, consequently gaining momentum in academic research. This study examined how three different planting densities influenced the distribution of granule sizes, multi-scale structural characteristics, and in vitro digestibility of maize starch. The results showed that planting density significantly enhanced grain yield and relative crystallinity, and significant increases were also observed in the contents of both rapidly and slowly digestible starch. The surface- and volume-weighted mean diameter of granules significantly increased under the medium level (6.75 × 104 plants ha−1), and then decreased under high planting density level. As planting density level increased, the amylose content, peak viscosity, and hardness varied from 23.3 to 26.4 %, from 1962 to 2659 mPa·s, and from 129.3 to 307.6 g, respectively. However, no change was found in crystalline structure of maize starch. These results indicated that optimizing planting density could effectively improve grain yield and starch characteristics of maize, with the best effect under the level of 6.75 × 104 plants ha−1.

Computing the QRPA level density with the finite amplitude method

We describe a new algorithm to calculate the vibrational nuclear level density of an atomic nucleus. Fictitious perturbation operators that probe the response of the system are generated by drawing their matrix elements from some probability distribution function. We use the Finite Amplitude Method to explicitly compute the response for each such sample. With the help of the Kernel Polynomial Method, we build an estimator of the vibrational level density and provide the upper bound of the relative error in the limit of infinitely many random samples. The new algorithm can give accurate estimates of the vibrational level density. Since it is based on drawing multiple samples of perturbation operators, its computational implementation is naturally parallel and scales like the number of available processing units.

Shifting shapes: Density variations and physicochemical characteristics from spheres to rods

This work extensively explores purifying cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-stabilized gold nanorods, focusing on efficiently separating spheres and rods to achieve a rod-rich suspension in one cycle. Utilizing UV–vis spectroscopy and Helium ion microscopy, the study delves into nanorods' spectral traits across different aspect ratios (AR 3–6). Results show centrifugation greatly influences gold nanorods' spectral features, indicating a link between CTAB-coated nanorod density and absorbance levels post-centrifugation. This quantitative evaluation enhances understanding of purification dynamics, highlighting effects on purity and density while offering insights for future refinements. Emphasizing centrifugation's role in reducing byproducts, nanoparticle density changes, and absorbance variations, the study's consistent spectral profiles affirm the effectiveness of purification parameters for stability and nanoparticle density maintenance. By quantitatively analyzing centrifugation duration's impact on spectral properties and shape separation dynamics, the research provides an empirical foundation for optimizing gold nanorod suspension purification processes. Additionally, a clear correlation between AR and absorbance-to-density ratios pre- and post-centrifugation underscores AR's relevance in comprehending nanorods' optical traits amidst centrifugation, benefiting purification strategies.

Effect of electrolyte level on performance and mass transfer of non-aqueous lithium-oxygen battery

To accurately reveal the effect of electrolyte content on mass transfer within lithium-oxygen batteries and their discharge performance, this study utilizes computed tomography(CT) scanning technology and digital reconstruction methods to construct a geometric model of the lithium-oxygen battery cathode that is equivalent to the actual one. Based on the fundamental principles of mass transfer, fluid dynamics, and electrochemistry, a two-dimensional model for the discharge process of lithium-oxygen batteries is established. This model facilitates analysis of various parameters and their influencing factors, including the distribution of reaction products, pore structure, oxygen concentration distribution, battery performance, and overpotential, within the lithium-oxygen battery cathode. The research findings indicate that the deposition of reaction products alters the cathode structure and material transport; lower discharge current density and higher electrolyte levels are conducive to the dispersed deposition of reaction products, thereby reducing the deposition's resistance to internal mass transfer in the cathode.

Systematic study of theoretical estimation of nuclear reaction cross section of proton-induced reactions on Neodymium target upto 65 MeV using TALYS-1.96 code

Abstract Systematic study of theoretical estimation of nuclear cross section of charged particle induced reactions on rare earth nuclei has been carried out. The production cross section of the $^{150,149,148,146,144,143,141}$Pm and $^{149,147}$Nd nuclei were calculated theoretically via proton induced reaction on neodymium using TALYS (version 1.96) code in the default mode, with different combination of nuclear models as well as using adjusted nuclear model parameters from reaction threshold to the proton energy upto 65 MeV. The theoretically computed results were compared with the experimental results taken from EXFOR database and literature, reported by various research groups. Moreover, the effect of the various Level Density Models (LDMs), Preequilibrium Models (PEs), Optical Model Potentials (OMPs), gamma Strength Functions ($\gamma$SFs) in the cross section calculation were taken into consideration. The present theoretical analysis will help to understand the theory of nuclear reaction models and improve the evaluated nuclear data libraries.

Mechanical performance and reinforcing mechanisms of foamed concrete strengthened by carbon fibers

Foamed concrete (FC) is a lightweight and environmentally friendly building material that offers versatile applications in civil engineering. However, FC is inherently weak in withstanding tensile and compressive loads. While incorporating fibers into FC has been shown to resist crack propagation and enhance its mechanical properties, the specific mechanisms through which carbon fibers affect FC's tensile and compressive behaviors remain unclear. This study aims to address this gap by incorporating short-cut carbon fibers into FC to achieve a micro-reinforcement effect and enhance its compressive and tensile performance. The mechanical properties, failure modes, and microstructure evolution of carbon fiber-reinforced FC at different density levels, carbon fiber lengths, and contents were comprehensively explored. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was utilized to analyze crack propagation, and an optimal mix ratio experiment was conducted. The results demonstrate that incorporating carbon fibers effectively enhances the mechanical performance of FC, with a more significant impact on specimens with a density of 500 kg/m3. Furthermore, the maximum improvements in tensile and compressive strengths reached 250 % and 88.5 %, respectively. This study suggests that optimal reinforcement ratio can be achieved through mix ratio adjustments and curve fitting formulas, thereby optimizing the tensile and compressive performance of the specimens.

Multi-Graph Assessment of Temporal and Extratemporal Lobe Epilepsy in Resting-State fMRI

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, disrupting brain networks and causing recurrent seizures. In this regard, investigating the distinctive characteristics of brain connectivity is crucial to understanding the underlying neural processes of epilepsy. However, the various graph-theory frameworks and different estimation measures may yield significant variability among the results of different studies. On this premise, this study investigates the brain network topological variations between patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and extratemporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE) using both directed and undirected network connectivity methods as well as different graph-theory metrics. Our results reveal distinct topological differences in connectivity graphs between the two epilepsy groups, with TLE patients displaying more disassortative graphs at lower density levels compared to ETLE patients. Moreover, we highlight the variations in the hub regions across different network metrics, underscoring the importance of considering various centrality measures for a comprehensive understanding of brain network dynamics in epilepsy. Our findings suggest that the differences in brain network organization between TLE and ETLE patients could be attributed to the unique characteristics of each epilepsy type, offering insights into potential biomarkers for type-specific epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.

PSI-29 Enhancing growth performance and reducing environmental impact with dietary protease supplementation in growing pigs fed high- and low-density diets

Abstract Exogenous protease has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing protein digestion and utilization in animal diets, offering potential benefits for both animal performance and environmental impact mitigation in pig farming. In a 6-wk trial involving 140 growing pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 24.10 ± 1.66 kg], the effects of dietary protease supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission were investigated. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design with two levels of nutrient density and 0 or 125 g/ton supplementation of protease. The pigs were blocked by BW and housed in 28 pens with each pen consisting of 5 pigs (3 barrows and 2 gilts). The experimental design employed a randomized complete block design with 7 replicate pens per treatment. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, with differences between means assessed using Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). Results revealed no significant interaction (P > 0.05) between nutrient density and protease supplementation concerning growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission. Pigs subjected to high-density diets exhibited greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) compared with those on low-density diets. While protease supplementation did not impact ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI), there was a tendency towards reduced (P = 0.08) G:F throughout the 6-wk period. Pigs fed high-density diets demonstrated significantly greater (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) compared with their counterparts on low-density diets. Furthermore, the inclusion of protease significantly increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of GE. However, no discernible differences were noted among diets regarding the ATTD of dry matter and nitrogen. Regarding noxious gas emission, protease supplementation did not significantly affect total mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emission. Nonetheless, there was a notable trend towards reduced (P = 0.06) ammonia gas (NH3) emission with protease inclusion. Similarly, nutrient density did not exhibit a significant effect (P > 0.05) on noxious gas emission. In conclusion, the results of the study underscore the importance of nutrient density and protease supplementation in optimizing pig performance and environmental sustainability in swine production systems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine strategies for maximizing the benefits of these dietary interventions.